Says Disease is Leading Cause of Death in West Africa
Dr Adediran Ademola, an Oncologist, has urged women of reproductive age to go for cervical cancer screening yearly to know their status.
Ademole, who works at the University of Osun Teaching Hospital Oncology Department, gave the advice during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Osogbo.
The doctor, who spoke on the causes of cancer, its management and treatment, said early detection will help to save lives.
He added that though the cause(s) of cancers are attached to numerous factors, every woman of productive age is at risk of having cervical cancer.
He said, “cervical cancer is one of the health challenges faced by women globally. It is the cancer of the cervix (the cervix
is a part of the female reproductive system).
“Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer in the world and the fourth leading cancer in West Africa. It is one of the challenges faced in this part of the world because most patients present late.
He revealed that, though it is not cervical cancer that occurs at the initial stage of the disease if detected at the early stages and presented
earlier, patients could be well managed, and the survival rate will be very high.
The oncologist explained that some factors associated with cervical cancer include having multiple sexual partners and
high-risk sexual behaviour.
He also said that, like other forms of cancers, cervical cancer can also be hereditary, caused by what goes into the body and
the environment, such as the global warming effect.
He said the signs of cervical cancer depend on age and are difficult to detect in women of reproductive age until they get screened.
“Every woman of productive age is supposed to be screened at least once a year.
“If a post-menopausal woman suddenly sees her menses again, she is supposed to go for cervical cancer screening; also, a woman
that has delivered four babies by herself (grand multiparous woman) is also at risk of cervical cancer.”
The WikkiTimes earlier reported on the launching of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, where young girls were urged to take the medication.
Speaking further, the Medical Doctor added that surviving cancer generally depends on the time of presentation and that there are many ways cancer can be treated, which include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and others.
He said the World Health Organisation (WHO) has a 95-95-95 plan to ensure 95 percent of women are aware of cervical cancer,
95 percent are screened, while 95 percent are treated or are on treatment by the year 2030.
He, therefore, said that the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine launched by the Federal Government on Oct. 24 for girls
aged nine to 14 years would help to prevent cervical cancer in the country.
He suggested that if the government can subsidize the cost of managing the disease, most patients will survive the menace.
NAN
